Malaysia tourism sector sees positive signals

The Langkawi Island of Malaysia has earned 15.97 million RM (US$3.82 million) in tourism revenue after just two weeks of reopening.

Tourists travelling to Langkawi island, Malaysia (Photo: AFP/ VNA)
Tourists travelling to Langkawi island, Malaysia (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

According to Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Executive Director Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, as of September 30, the popular tourist destination of Malaysia had welcomed 38,748 visitors since the pilot programme "tourism bubble" was launched on September 16.

He was optimistic about the goal of this popular tourist destination welcoming 400,000 tourists by the end of 2021.

The LADA executive also hopes the Malaysian National Security Council and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (MOTAC) will allow Langkawi to welcome international visitors in November or December.

Local authority is working to develop standard operating procedures for international tourists and discussing with several airlines to plan flights to Langkawi in the near future.

Meanwhile, MOTAC Minister Nancy Shukri also affirmed that Langkawi will be Malaysia's first international "tourist bubble" destination and the ministry will discuss with foreign partners to soon open its doors to international tourists to visit Malaysia.

Langkawi Island has become the first tourist destination to reopen to tourists in Malaysia on a trial basis after the Southeast Asian country gradually controlled the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.